Archaeology was the main subject of my degree, but I think the study of it is different here in the UK compared to the US... In the States, archaeology is more closely associated with anthropology, which I really don't know much about.
If you're going to study archaeology at an American institution, I reckon Louis Binford and Ian Hodder would be two names to look out for at the library. Bear in mind that there's a lot of theory involved, some of which is really dry and seems to have little or no relevance to fieldwork, but there are some excellent introductory books out there that will help you to make sense of it all.

Yeah, you right Kumba. You really need a Ph. D. if you want to go anywhere with a career in Archaeology. You will need a Ph. D. if you want to be a professor. But you can always work for a Civil Enginering corparation. It is a law that the need to send in an archaeologist before they can do any building project.
It sucks, but it is better than nothing.

I really appreciate that.
Well, I am happy to tell you that they love Indiana Jones here as much as I do. They ae proud that their school was mentioned in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and they show they Indiana Jones trilogy here often. Most of the time on the big screen!

There is this place here that true fans of archaeology will adore. It is called the Oriental Insititute and it is a world renown museum and center of study for Near Eastern Archaeology. I call it my house, cuz I go there frequently, for class or for study.
Y'all should visit sometime.

Well, I am happy to tell you that they love Indiana Jones here as much as I do. They are proud that their school was mentioned in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and they show they Indiana Jones trilogy here often. Most of the time on the big screen!

That's cool! Definitely a plus having your school mentioned in a classic movie.

Quote:

I call it my house, cuz I go there frequently, for class or for study.
Y'all should visit sometime.

That would be awesome. I've never been to Illinois, but that would be one place I would love to go if I ever got there.

Take care up there, man. I hear Chicago can be rough if you're not careful. "...Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am."

Originally posted by thefumegator
Take care up there, man. I hear Chicago can be rough if you're not careful. "...Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am."

That is what the heck I talk about!!!!!!
Believe me that I am having the time of my life up here in Chicago.
Fortunatly for my adventurous soul, South Side Chicago can be a dangerous place at times. I got a lot lot stories to tell.
Gang fights...
Police chases...

Location: Originally from the UK but now living in Pennsylvania, USA!!!

Posts: 2,210

Hey Gregorie! Great to see you positing! How are things?

It's great to hear that they show the triolgy so regularly at the U of C. Would really love to meet up with you some day.

As for myself I am studying archaeology at night school and I am finding it very scientific based which is not quite what I expected. I really hope that I am going to get the chance to go on some digs this year.

I am sorry to bump this 10 year old thread, but I was looking through previous threads where people were advised not to make duplicate threads even if someone had a thread this old.

I am currently doing a major in Interdisciplinary Archeology right now actually. My goal is to get in a archeology department in the museum across the street from where I currently attend College. Getting my degree in Archeology, and then my PHD in Anthropology after.

I am currently doing a major in Interdisciplinary Archeology right now actually. My goal is to get in a archeology department in the museum across the street from where I currently attend College. Getting my degree in Archeology, and then my PHD in Anthropology after.

Apologies if this has been discussed in great detail being an Indiana Jones forum, but I searched through threads and couldn't find anything that answered my questions. Maybe there are some lurking here I can ask. I wanted to ask for myself and others who have considered archaeology as a career...

First a bit of my background: Like many, Indy had something to do with this interest but I understand that most of the work isn't romantic and requires patience. I'm 29 years old and dropped out of college when I was 20. I spent the last 9 years in the film industry (experience: carpentry, budgeting, videography, some grantwriting, lots of outdoor physical work, travel). As I've grown older, I've become burned out with my current career so I'm looking into going back to school. As of now, for archaeology. I've been interested in the subject for quite some time but never thought of it as a career until recently.

So far, I have yet to find any one in real life who is an archaeologist or anyone who knows one I can talk to. Anyway...

1. Thoughts on pursuing archaeology at 30? If most of us seem to support a 80 year old Harrison doing an Indy film, then surely 30 isn't too old to pursue this career in real life, right?

2. How much of this career is freelance? What's the job market like for full time / part time?

3. What kind of courses should one expect to take / should take while studying? In your experience, did any of the classes seem irrelevant to archaeology but required all the same?

4. What is the "scene" like for the most part? Big egos? Laidback? Humorous? Fast-paced, slow-paced?

5. Any recommended universities US or abroad?

6. Is it a good job for introverts? As I've approached 30, I seem to be more reclusive and a day job that supports this is a plus. I know there are team-oriented aspects to archaeology but from what I've read it seems doable for me. In film, it's team oriented but too loud and frantic for my liking.